Week with JMan – Part 4

The am was spent on the couch or in the garage. In the afternoon we went bowling and to the arcade.

JMan at the ready.

  
Action shot.

  
Arcade shot……zoom zoom.

 
Fun was had by all. Fortunately or unfortunately my sabbatical is coming to a screeching halt on Monday at 9am. So it’s back to work for me and back to camp for JMan and his big brother GMan.

Week with JMan – Part 3

JMan plan for Thursday was deep sea fishing. A quick google search found Yankee Fleet out of Gloucester MA. I booked a 1/2 trip, we packed lunch and hit the road. We ended up on the Yankee Freedom, a well used but sea worthy vessel. 

I have the same feeling about boat as I do with planes, as long as they work within their designed purpose I’m very happy. Planes need to go up and down in one piece, and boats just need to stay up!

JMan at the dock.

  
Underway.

   
 
JMan was not feeling the best so we missed most of the fishing at the first stopping point. However, after a few minutes he was up and running and by stopping point three we were catching fish. Most were toss backs but we did get a few good sized Haddock that we’ll be having for lunch on Friday. 

  
  
All in all its was a fun day. If I were to go again with Yankee Fleet I would most likely go on one of their Limited Capacity Tuesday trips. Elbow room on the trip was a premium and more than once we got snagged lines. Non the less it was fun.

Week with JMan – Part 2

Tuesday was a wash in many ways as it rained for most of the day. JMan decided that that a combination of WiiU and iPod gaming would fit the bill. We did manage to stop by the hardware store for for stuff and also hit the Apple Store for some additional game time…….one can never have to much!

Wednesday was nice, however we went to Shaun the sheep movie in the am. It’s very funny and has lots of adult jokes and some classic kid ones that the whole family will enjoy. I really like claymation stop motion movies and this one is done well.

  
In the afternoon we needed to play with power tools. As part of a warranty process we needed to cut a rather large opening in the top of a cargo box. This was a fun project. Go here for a short video.

JMan ready for action.

  
The end results.

  
After that it was off to Kimball Farms for some Arcade time and an ice cream.

We’ll work on his stance, but he’s a good shot.

  

Week with JMan – Part 1

This week I’m hanging out with JMan. Yesterday we needed you know up GMan in York ME so we revisited the U.S. Albacore in Portsmouth NH I the way up. Go here for another post I did on the submarine. 

JMan trying out a bunk.

   
Now.

 
And in 2013.

  
JMan taking a look through the perescope and the drivers seat.

   
 
Symmetry. Getting 10lb of you know what into a 5lb bag is a real challenge, but doing it as neatly as this is an art.
   
Looking up.

 
Looking aft.
   
This is the main propeller bearing. At one point the Albacore was split, lengthened and an extra motor was installed. It actually have two drive shafts, one is a tube and the other is inside. As the sub was a research vessel this was a very inventive way of testing different propulsion systems.

 
Quick drive into downtown Portsmouth for lunch at Fat Belly’s. Good food and good service and no lines.

  
On the way to York ME we stopped in Kittery Trading Post. Then we picked up GMan and JMan took a dip in the ocean.

  
Day 2 – Raining.

As we’d say in Ireland “it’s a soft day” or “it’s a grand high stool day”. We settled for breakfast at Blackbird Cafe and some game time.

   
 

Annual Campton Party

Our neighbors have an annual BBQ in Campton NH. Each year they invite us and for some reason or other we never made it. This year JMan and I made it to the Campton Party.

JMan making ice cream.

   

View up the river from the back of the house.

 

End results of making ice cream. Yes, it was a lot of work, but worth it.

  

Our home for the night.

 

Who said you can’t have good coffee in the woods! Starbucks instant and my camping stove and it’s great brew all day long.
   

Lights out all.

  

JMan giving the thumbs up on breakfast.

 

The boys at the river.
   

Soon enough JMan and his shadow will be bigger and taller than me.

  

Crossing the covered bridge on the way home.

 

JMan and I had a great time and we are we would like to again thank our hosts J & K it was also nice to see L. We’ll be back!

Wachusetts Mountain hike

GMan, JMan and I took a hike up Wachusetts Mountain today. Despite the humidity it was quite cool in the woods and thankfully the wind was blowing.

JMan set the pace and we meandered up. Go here for a trail map.

  
View from Vista overlook on Link Trail.

  
At the top.

  
Sitting on Minuteman Express chair lift at the top.

Mount Major hike

Today GMan and I meet Jillian, Rob and Yuri for a hike up Mount Major. Go here for info on the mountain. 

We went up Boulder Loop and down Brook Trail. I’m not sure who was setting the past but Yuri (the dog) did a good job.

  
The gang at the top.

  
View from the top.

 

  
The boys.

 
GMan getting in a little tree time on the hike. 

  

GMan at the trail head. 

After our hike Rob, Jillian and Yuri treated us to a boat ride on Lake Winnipesaukee.

  
GMan and Yuri.

All in all it was a great day spent with good friends and a very happy doggie named Yuri!

Cape Cod – Post 7

Up late, breakfast and bike ride.

   
 

I found this gem deep in the woods. I have no idea how it got to its current resting spot as the closest road is a mile or so way, but it’s all woods in every direction. 

I parked on Mary Dunn Road (Hyannis MA) just south of route 6. From there I entered the woods and did 5.5 miles mostly on single track and some gravel roads. Apparently it was a failed housing development that was converted to conservation land.

 

One of the ponds I found. Here’s a link to my route.

Back to house, pack and hit the road. We are at Cape Cod Burgers and Fries in Buzzards Bay (MA). Like five guys without the peanuts, but better and you can write on the walls!

   
      
Random wall art.

 

Jess left this parting note.

All in all is was a wonderful week and thanks W&W for sharing your home and making us feel so very welcome.